Essex Innovation Programmes
What are the Essex Innovation Programmes?
Innovation – the successful commercialisation of new ideas – is vital if we are to see our economy grow stronger and witness the emergence of a new generation of businesses able to compete in the international marketplace. The Essex Innovation Programmes, therefore, is working to create the best possible environment within Essex, Thurrock and Southend, that allows both new and existing businesses to exploit to the full potential of their new ideas and creativity.
The Essex Innovation Programmes offers a range of support under two programmes, 'New Ideas', for entrepreneurs and startup's, & 'Developing Innovative Businesses' for early stage and existing businesses. To access more information on these programmes please click here; or alternatively contact Simon Maidment on 01245 702417 or simon.maidment@exdra.co.uk
Latest news about the work of the Essex Innovation Programmes and related activity around the region is contained below.
Local Business Shortlisted for Special Needs Award
Date: 04 September 2008
Local business woman, Sue Gascoyne, is attracting national recognition for Playscope – her range of innovative children’s resources. Back in March she received a Special Recognition British Female Inventor and Innovator Award. Now two of her resources have been shortlisted for the nasen Inclusive Primary Resources Awards. In their sixteenth year, the nasen Awards represent excellence and best practice in books and resources for special educational needs.
The Playscope Complete Set and Playscope Fidget Floor Mats are competing against just three other resources for the coveted award of Inclusive Primary Resources – an accolade in itself. “It’s been a whirlwind year from exhibiting at several national events, being featured in numerous educational resource catalogues, a nomination as Trainer of the Year in the Nursery World Awards, and now shortlisting for the nasen Awards.”
The winners of the nasen awards will be announced on the 16th October at the Russell Hotel in London with Awards being presented by Minister for Education, Lord Adonis. As Sue Gascoyne states “This recognition is brilliant but what really matters is the effect these resources are having on children’s lives. The Fidget Floor Mats are actually changing children’s life opportunities by helping children to focus, listen and concentrate, and enabling teachers to teach. The beautiful and natural Treasure Baskets, made from organic Norfolk willow, Activity Cards and Sensac, which make up the Complete Set are being successfully used with children of all ages and abilities to cover all areas of the curriculum in a fun and child-centred way.”
The national publicity doesn’t end there as the resources are also being trialled in Baby Barns nursery in Ardleigh for Nursery World – the national magazine for early years practitioners, to be reviewed in a forthcoming feature.
A review of Sue’s resources is also appearing in Special Children – another national publication.
For further details of the Playscope resources please visit www.playtoz.co.uk
